UPDATED January 2026

The best time to visit London England depends on why you’re visiting.

Experience a London theatre production, visit world class museums and enjoy exceptional shopping any time of year. Most attractions are open year round. But read on for tips on when to visit!

The overall best month to travel to London is September – scroll to the bottom for my why below.

London is not only the capital of England and the UK but literally one of the largest cities in the world. Greater London covers 600 square miles with a population of almost 9 million. and it’s jam packed with unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else!

Best Time to Visit London

What’s most important to you?

1. Weather then pick May, June and September
2. Affordability try January and February
3. Sports Spring through summer
4. Theater Year round
5. Markets Year round
6. Holidays Start November through January

1. Best Time to Visit London for Weather

The best months to visit London for optimum weather conditions are May, June and September.

• Hottest month: July averages 66 F/ 19 C – hot spells rarely last more than a few days
• Coldest month: January averages 43 F/ 6 C but it can get colder!
• Wettest month: October and November average 4.8 inches of rain

London is in southern England, so it’s warmer and drier than most of the UK. But be prepared; the month or year you visit may experience more rainfall than average.

You may have heard about the summer heat waves here in England and Europe. Planning to visit during the summer months? Check your London accommodation has air conditioning (known as air con).

It’s never to soon to look at places to stay – earlier the better as some dates sell out!

2. Best Time to Visit for Affordability

The most affordable months to visit London are January and February.

Airfare deals during the winter months can stretch your travel budget.

Hotels discount rates during this time too. Average daily hotel room rates in London have increased so book ahead to get your best deal.

• Super low season: January and February
• Low season: November to March
• Shoulder season: April to mid June and September to October
• High season: mid June through August

If you decide to visit London in the winter months, you’ll need to bundle up. Here’s what I recommend.

Why not book a special treat to look forward to?

3. Best Time to Visit for Sporting Events

London hosts world class sporting events year round but these are few worth checking out.

• London Marathon – April 26 2026
  40,000 plus runners compete and run through London streets. Ready to enter?
• FA Cup – Men’s Final at Wembley May 16 2026
• Wimbledon June 29 – July 12, 2026
  The longest running tennis tournament in the world. Book tickets by entering a public ballot. Tickets are selected at random.
  
• Formula E at the Excel – August 15-16 2026
  
• For a complete list of all sporting events in London

4. Best Time to Visit London for Theater

Theater productions run year round – the main theatre district is in the West End of London.

Watch for these new shows in 2026 and dozens more! For more show dates, check here.

• Woman in Mind
• Top Hat
• High Noon
• The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
• High Society
• Beetlejuice

5. Best Time to Visit London Street Markets

Most markets are open year round. Large markets usually combine food stalls, antiques, apparel and a huge variety of crafts, art and bits and bobs. Portobello is known for it’s antiques and Notting Hill location. Columbia Road is famous for it’s glorious selection of flowers and plants.

Open 7 days a week

• Borough Market
• Portobello Road Market
• Camden Market
• Spitalfields Market

Open Sundays

• Brick Lane
• Columbia Road Flower Market

6. Best Time to Visit London for the Holidays

Looking for a festive vibe? The holiday season from November to early January is the perfect time to visit.

London pulls out all the stops during the holiday season so expect a dazzling display of lights, decorations, markets and special seasonal events. Why not stay for New Years Eve!

Christmas at Kew | Nov 2026 – Jan 4 2027
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in Richmond, London turns into an enchanted lit fantasy after dark. More info.

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park | mid Nov 2026 to Jan 1 2027
Fairground rides, Christmas markets, ice skating and sculpting workshops turn this famous park into a wonderland. More info.

Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros Studio Tour |mid Nov 2026 – mid Jan 2027
Harry Potter film sets get transformed into a snowy wonderland as part of a self guided tour at Warner Bros Studio Tour. The Forbidden Forest and the Great Hall get a festive and magical makeover for the holidays. More info.

Christmas Carols at St Paul’s Cathedral | Dec 15 & Dec 23-24
Get in the mood by attending a free carol concert or a friendly service at the legendary London cathedral. More info.

Seasonal Festivities in London | December 1-31
From lights, decorations, ice skating rinks, Christmas markets, carolers to the spectacular lit tree in Trafalgar Square, London lights up for the holiday season all December long. Don’t miss the imaginative store window displays along Oxford Street. More info.

New Years Day Parade | Jan 1

Floats from around the world, performers and stunt motorcyclists put on a traditional New Years Day parade through the streets of Londons West End and the theatre district. More info.

Find your perfect 4* London pad with free Wi-fi here.

Overall Best Time to Visit London

September

• Daylight hours: 11:40 to 13:33
• Sunshine: 6 hrs per day (similar to August)
• Rainfall: 26mm /1.02”
• Affordability: Shoulder season, with some discounted rates
• Attractions: All attractions are open with normal hours
• Average room rate: 73% cheaper than July rates

September is the ideal time to visit London. The weather is usually warm, mild and sunny with little rainfall. Attractions, gardens, museums, markets and the theater are still operating at normal times and hours. You’ll find fewer crowds because most schools are back in session. Room rates are likely to be less expensive than peak summer.

TRAVEL TIP: mid to late September gives you the best combination of weather, attractions and cost!

GETTING THERE: Traveling from the US to the UK?  Heathrow and Gatwick outside London are the main airports.  Here’s how to get to London from either one. This is how to get around London like a local. 

Psst, why not plan your next trip with a little help from me!